Iran's foreign minister said Tehran remains vigilant and is closely monitoring any US presence around Iran, but is in direct contact with Armenia and believes Yerevan will not take actions that endanger Iran's security; Tehran will continue consultations with Armenian authorities.

The International Energy Agency said members have agreed to complete the release of the remaining 100 mln barrels of stocks from the March intervention to stabilise global markets. After a board meeting on Thursday, the IEA said members will speed the remaining releases, including deploying 20 mln barrels of diesel “as soon as possible.” Members initially pledged 400 mln barrels in March and have released 330 mln barrels to date. US officials had reportedly informally lobbied IEA members for further releases to help curb rising diesel prices.

U.S. retailer Target said it will not use customers' personal data to raise prices.